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Biodynamic and organic – what's the difference?

Biodynamic and organic – what's the difference?

At Hampstead Tea, we talk a lot about biodynamic & organic tea farming. Why? Well, we see it as a future with a lot of hope – in the form of more insects, tree cover, cleaner waterways. Tea farms cover over 1 million acres globally. Imagine if they were all biodiverse ecosystems.

So what exactly is the difference between organic and biodynamic tea and what good does it do for your health and the planet? 

More nutritious, tastier and healthier

Biodynamic tea isn’t just good for the planet – it’s good for your health. Studies have shown that biodynamic foods are packed with more nutrients, from antioxidants to essential vitamins. For example, one study found that red beets, potatoes and lettuce grown biodynamically have higher levels of phenolic content, which means more antioxidants to keep your body healthy (Bavec et al., 2010).

The secret is in the soil. Healthy soil means healthier plants, and healthier plants mean tea that tastes better and supports your well-being. Whether it’s a juicy tomato or a cup of English Breakfast Tea, you’ll notice the difference in both taste and nutritional value.

Grown with zero chemical inputs = healthier soil 

Biodynamic farming goes the extra mile to nurture the soil and crops in the most natural way possible. This means no chemical fertilisers and no synthetic pesticides. Instead, growers use natural compost and crop rotation to grow produce that bursts with natural taste. Organic farming allows some fertilisers, such as copper. However, biodynamics instead relies on preparations made from other plants to give nutrients back to the soil.

Research shows biodynamic tea gardens have healthier soils that not only produce more resilient tea bushes, but also help regenerate the land for future generations. These farms are improving the environment with every harvest, and it’s tea that’s better for your body and the planet.

Cleaner waterways and greater carbon sequestration 

Biodynamic farming doesn’t just stop at the soil; it plays a vital role in protecting our waterways and combating climate change. How? Agricultural run off from pesticides and fertilisers ends up in our waterways. This is something that we’re seeing happening in the UK, with rivers like the Wye suffering. Biodynamic farming prevents harmful run off into rivers and lakes thanks to its zero chemical inputs. This keeps aquatic ecosystems thriving and ensures cleaner water for communities living near the tea farms.

And it gets better. Biodynamic farms actively sequester carbon – meaning they pull more CO₂ out of the atmosphere than conventional farms. How? Through healthy, carbon-rich soils and the integration of trees, hedgerows, and diverse plant life into the farming system. Makaibari Tea Gardens has over 66% tree cover and nature is thriving. A biodynamic tea garden is not just a farm; it’s a carbon-capturing, wild space where animals, insects, plants and humans thrive together.

A Future to Sip On

When you choose biodynamic tea, you’re not just enjoying a delicious, nutrient-rich cup. You’re supporting a farming system that restores balance to the earth, encourages biodiversity, and creates a healthier planet for all.

Tea farms may cover over 1 million acres globally, but with biodynamic methods, they can become havens of regeneration and resilience. That’s the future we’re brewing at Hampstead Tea – one cup, one ecosystem, and one hopeful step at a time.

So, next time you steep a tea bag, think of the lush tea gardens where it began. It’s not just tea; it’s a choice for a healthier planet and a better tomorrow. ☕ 🌍

Check out our range of organic and biodynamic teas here to taste how good tea can be.



 

References:

  • Bavec, M., Turinek, M., Grobelnik-Mlakar, S., Mikola, N., & Bavec, F. (2010). Influence of Industrial and Alternative Farming Systems on Contents of Sugars, Organic Acids, Total Phenolic Content, and the Antioxidant Activity of Red Beet (Beta Vulgaris L. Ssp. Vulgaris Rote Kugel). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 58(22), 11825-11831.

  • Meissner, G., Fritz, J., & Athmann, M. (2019). Conversion to Organic and Biodynamic Viticultural Practices: Impact on Soil, Grapevine Development, and Grape Quality. Oeno One.

  • Botelho, R.V., Roberti, R., Tessarin, P., Garcia-Mina, J.-M., & Rombolà, A.D. (2016). Physiological Responses of Grapevines to Biodynamic Management. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 31(5), 402-413.

 

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